For Immediate Release

	March 18, 2003 NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION AFFIRMATIVE ACTION ALERT APRIL 1, 2003 On April 1, 2003, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Gratz v. Bollinger, 122 F.Supp. 811 (E.D. Mich 200) cert. granted (December 2000) and Grutter v. Bollinger, 288 F.3d 732 (6th Cir. 2001) cert. granted (December 2, 2002). These cases deal with affirmative action in admissions programs at undergraduate and graduate schools. The NBA is encouraging members to come to Washington, D.C., for this historic event. There will be a press conference and candle light vigil on Monday, March 31st, and we will participate in a rally on April 1st. If you are unable to visit D.C. or your affiliate would like to commemorate the occasion locally, below are some suggested activities: PARTICIPATE IN THE 2003 MLK ORATORY CONTEST. This year's topic addresses the issues presented in the Michigan cases. The contest is open to high school seniors who write a 300 - 500 word essay and participate in a oral advocacy competition. Winners from the local competitions advance to the regional competition and may win a chance to participate in the national competition to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you have not received information about the competition, please contact your Regional Director or Robie Beatty. ORGANIZE A MOCK TRIAL AND/OR PANEL DISCUSSION. With the assistance of local BLSA and NAACP, etc., organize a mock trial of the case and follow it with a panel discussion about the merits of each argument. Or in the alternative, organize a panel discussion with individuals discussing the constitutional issues, the historical significance of the case, and the social impact of the court's decision. ORGANIZE A MEDIA CAMPAIGN. This media campaign can consist of letters to the editor of your local papers and member participation on radio and cable access shows discussing the legal issues that will be presented to the Supreme Court. CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL. Organize a candle light vigil on Monday, March 31st. Identify a few speakers who can talk about the significance of this case to our past, present and future. As a location, find a place significant to the civil rights struggle in your local community - the statute of a civil rights leader, a church or other building where various civil rights groups met, etc. RALLY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 1. Organize a march, rally or identify a place for people to gather for a moment of silence. Encourage solidarity by wearing black suits, white shirts, red ties, scarves, ribbon, etc. These are just examples of the ways that you can participate and spark dialogue on the Michigan cases. If your affiliate plans an activity, please forward the details to Cheryl Gray.